OXFORD Hawks played their first competitive game for five months as the ladies’ over 35s played their Tier 2 competition quarter-final.

Kelly Fogden scored their goal in a 3-1 defeat at home to Taunton Vale.

While England Hockey have yet to give the go-ahead for league seasons to start, matches can be held providing coronavirus rules are in place.

Despite the long gap between fixtures, the game began at a quick tempo and Tam Pascoe hit the crossbar with an early effort.

At the other end, Linda Billington made some smart saves to keep the game scoreless.

Hawks took the lead after ten minutes, when Fogden pounced on a rebound at a penalty corner.

She had a chance to double her tally before half-time, but fired over.

Taunton hit back to level within a couple of minutes of the restart.

They quickly went ahead and after Sandra Roche fired a chance to equalise wide, Vale made it 3-1 via a penalty flick.

Hawks piled on the pressure in the final 20 minutes, but could not get back into the game.

England Hockey have been encouraged with the progress being made to get back to a full competitive programme.

They intend to make a decision on September 1 on whether the sport is ready to take the final step.